Is this very slow labour or nothing?

[TheOrangeOwl]

Thought I may be getting some contractions yesterday and maybe a bit of waters, but after calling the midwives it was decided to leave things 24 hrs and see.
This morning went up to the hospital, turns out waters are intact but I'm 1cm dilated.

Does this mean I'm actually starting anything (just very slowly) or does it mean nothing? I know 1cm is basically nothing but does it at least mean something is happening?

Sorry if I'm being an idiot, first baby and google isn't helping answer if anything is actually underway or not. I'm early if it is (34 weeks).

If you only think you're getting contractions you are likely not in labour. Actual contractions are regular and get progressively more painful over time.

They seemed to stop yesterday hence why I think they're probably Braxton Hicks. Just wanted to know, can I be 1cm dilated and not be approaching or in labour at all? Early stages obvs.

Did they not do the speculum and hormone test on you to see if it is actual labour or just that your cervix is starting to get ready quite early? As you are 34 weeks I would have thought that they would,d want to know if it is Labour ASAP because if so they need to start you on steroids for baby's lungs.

I had a speculum and it showed one cm so it was "go home and see". Sorry for TMI but also had a little blood on tissue too, but they seemed to just want us to go home and if anything else happened after the bloody streaks then to call back.

You can be 1cm for weeks until you're actually in labour. Also, you could be in labour either is possible!

As a PP said, I know it's frustrating to hear because I felt the same when expecting my first but you will know when you're in labour. The contractions have a very definite build up, peak and drop off like a wave. They will for most people happen in pretty regular intervals or at least last for the same amount of time (this changes as labour progresses obviously). There are people who experience stop/start labours over days where they have "real" labour contractions and begin to dilate but it stops for a while, comes back etc.

If they checked your cervix they'd generally be able to tell if it was likely labour by assessing the position, length and firmness.

Good luck

Sounds like you aren’t in early labour yet, which is for the best as you are early. Try to relax and good luck.

@needanappp and @FoxgloveStar

Thank you for your replies! Just seems I was worrying over nothing then!

It is frustrating but I really appreciate your honesty, and hope when the time comes I don't get it wrong again!

Always OK to phone your maternity assessment unit if you are unsure.

“Real” contractions can’t be soothed by changing position like BH. And until they start a regular pattern (eg every 10 minutes) it’s unlikely labour is starting yet.

Just had a tiny bit of bleeding, but can feel baby moving. Phoned midwives who just said to keep an eye. Can speculums cause little bleeds?

Speculums can definitely cause bleeds, especially since everything is so swollen down there in the 3rd trimester. I had a speculum exam at 31weeks after a scare about possible waters breaking. Had pink spotting for 2 days afterwards, especially noticeable after straining on the toilet. (Was so unnerving since we weren’t sure whether my waters were still leaking and I was on high alert for mucus plug/bloody show). Luckily everything calmed down and I’m now 37wks and counting.

Forgot to add that I also used baby movements as reassurance. Did loads of kick counts/2 hour movement counts in the days that followed and she was always active with her usual wake/sleep pattern during the day, so I managed to worry less about the spotting.